Monterey Bay Aquarium Vs Long Beach Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in Monterey, California, is one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in the world. It is home to a wide variety of aquatic species, including sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, and penguins. The aquarium also houses numerous exhibits and interactive displays that educate visitors about the ocean and its inhabitants.
Exhibits at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium features several exhibits that showcase different aspects of marine life. Among the most popular exhibits are the Kelp Forest, which recreates the underwater ecosystem of California's giant kelp forests, and the Open Sea exhibit, which features a 90-foot-long tunnel that allows visitors to walk through an underwater world filled with sharks, sea turtles, and other creatures.
The aquarium also has a Sea Otter exhibit, where visitors can watch these adorable creatures play and interact with each other, and a Penguin exhibit, which houses several species of penguins from around the world.
Long Beach Aquarium
Long Beach Aquarium, located in Long Beach, California, is a smaller aquarium that focuses on the local marine life of Southern California. The aquarium is known for its Shark Lagoon exhibit, which features several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks and zebra sharks.
The aquarium also has an exhibit called Lorikeet Forest, where visitors can interact with colorful lorikeet birds, and a Sea Jellies exhibit, which showcases the mesmerizing beauty of these translucent creatures.
Comparison of Monterey Bay Aquarium and Long Beach Aquarium
While both Monterey Bay Aquarium and Long Beach Aquarium offer unique and fascinating exhibits, there are some differences between the two. Monterey Bay Aquarium is larger and has a wider variety of exhibits, including several that focus on marine life from around the world.
Long Beach Aquarium, on the other hand, is smaller and more focused on the local marine life of Southern California. The Shark Lagoon exhibit is a highlight of the aquarium and is not to be missed.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium or Long Beach Aquarium, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Both aquariums offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of marine life and provide opportunities for education and entertainment.
At the end of the day, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a larger aquarium with a wider variety of exhibits, Monterey Bay Aquarium may be the better choice. If you are more interested in the local marine life of Southern California and want to see some amazing sharks up close, Long Beach Aquarium is the way to go.
